Auto, taxi meters get more time

The state government on Friday extended the deadline for recalibration of autorickshaw and taxi meters in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

Following the last fare hike, auto and taxi meters in the region were to be recalibrated by November 24. The deadline for recalibration has now been extended to December 15 for e-meters and January 31 for mechanical meters.

“The recalibration of 1.65 lakh autorickshaws and 42,000 taxis means a lot of work. While most of it is done, conversion of 12,000 taxi and 1.03 lakh auto meters is yet to be completed,” said a press release issued by the transport commissioner’s office.

City commuters will have to refer to the tariff cards to pay their auto or taxi fares till then.

“We are against the move. The extension of deadline proves the incompetence of the authorities in completing the recalibration work in the given timeframe. Granting a 56-day extension to a task that was to be completed in 45 days is extremely unprofessional and unfair. The delay will cost the commuters dear,” said Shirish Deshpande, chairman of Mumbai Grahak Panchayat.